Residents salvage the remains of their homes that were ravaged by a fire that broke out in a residential area during the early hours of the night in Barangay 123, Tondo, Manila, on Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
The fire quickly escalated within the community, prompting the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to raise Task Force Charlie at 3:34 AM before it was eventually extinguished at 7:09 AM.
Authorities reported that at least 500 houses were affected and around 1,500 families were displaced.
A resident carries the metal roofing from her burned-down house after a massive fire. She plans to sell the remaining scraps to help recover from the disaster.John Carlo Magallon
Residents set up tents outside their neighborhood as temporary shelters while they figure out how to recover from the massive fire that destroyed their homes.John Carlo Magallon
Most residents said they were unable to save their belongings due to the rapid spread of the blaze.John Carlo Magallon
Scavengers returned to their homes after the fire was declared out around 7:00 AM, collecting any scraps they could sell to junk shops for money.John Carlo Magallon
Residents receive aid from the Manila local government soon after they get displaced by the massive fire. A nearby covered court is jump packed with evacuees lining up to receive financial support from local authorities.John Carlo Magallon
Residents speculated that the fire was caused by a lighted candle left unattended during the early hours of the night.John Carlo Magallon
A vlogger roamed around the burned-down community, filming himself as he offered food to residents affected by the fire.John Carlo Magallon
A resident stares at his burned-down house as he takes a break from salvaging what little remains. He said he is considering leaving the community, as this is the fourth time their neighborhood has been hit by fire.John Carlo Magallon
The fire quickly spread during the early hours of the night due to the houses being made of light, combustible materials.John Carlo Magallon
A mug that has letter markings "Lucky" inside a destroyed house.John Carlo Magallon
Residents don't mind the heat as they continue to pick up scraps, hoping to sell them and earn money while recovering from the blaze that left them homeless.John Carlo Magallon
A firefighter sits on top of debris caused by the massive fire, taking a rest after putting out the remaining flames.John Carlo Magallon
